The Power of the Dog

On a spacious Montana spread, a stern, charismatic rancher named Phil Burbank bullies his brother's new wife Rose and her teenage son Peter, turning the homestead into a pressure cooker. Phil's sharp wit and old fashioned swagger dominate every room, while Rose tries to build a life under his watchful eye. The simmering clash between the two households stirs a dangerous air of secrecy, as long buried resentments begin to surface and threaten the quiet rhythm of the ranch. As hidden truths emerge, a web of power, vulnerability and family loyalty tests loyalties and friendships, forcing everyone to reckon with what each one is willing to risk.

Directed by Jane Campion, The Power of the Dog adapts Thomas Savage's 1967 novel. It premiered at Venice in 2021, then opened theatrically before joining Netflix for streaming; the production highlighted Campion's measured, restrained storytelling and strong ensemble with Cumberbatch, Dunst, Plemons and Smit-McPhee.

The film drew major Oscar attention with nominations including Best Picture and Best Director, among others. Kodi Smit-McPhee earned a Supporting Actor nomination for his work, while critics praised the screenplay and performances. The recognition underscored Campion's return with a quietly formidable prestige drama. The campaign affirmed Campion's quiet authority.

Critics noted its unflinching look at masculine power and emotional restraint set against a stark Montana landscape. The film sparked discussions about repressed desire and family boundaries, influencing how contemporary Westerns blend psychological depth with rural isolation. It sparked ongoing conversations about masculinity and emotional restraint in cinema and television.

Critics praised Campion's controlled directing, Benedict Cumberbatch's layered portrayal of Phil, and a mood built from quiet pressure rather than explosions. Its themes of control, fear, and loyalty through a fractured family give the story both menace and moral ambiguity. It leaves audiences with a precise, troubling insight into power.